What to Do Near Nam Cat Tien? A Gentle Journey into the Forest with Nomia Garden Retreats

We live in a world of busy streets, blaring horns, and constant phone notifications. Sometimes, all you need is a quiet morning where birdsong replaces your alarm, or a peaceful afternoon walk through an old forest with no one around. If that sounds like something your soul is craving, let Nomia Garden Retreats take you to Nam Cat Tien—a place where nature remains untouched and peace is a natural part of the landscape.

You might be wondering: “What is there to do near Nam Cat Tien?”A seemingly simple question, but the answer unfolds a vast green world—where every experience is a gentle whisper from the trees, the rivers, and the wind.

A Green Gem Hidden in the Forest: Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park isn't a new name for nature lovers. But no matter how often you hear about it, your first step into the forest will always feel like a surprise—fresh, soothing, and magical.

Stretching over 70,000 hectares across Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc provinces, Cat Tien is home to lowland tropical rainforests, wetlands, and hundreds of rare and endangered species. It is not only a destination for eco-tourism but also a globally significant biodiversity reserve recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

How to Get to Nam Cat Tien?

The journey to Nam Cat Tien usually starts from Ho Chi Minh City, about 170km to the north. You can get there by motorbike, private car, or long-distance buses like Phuong Trang or Thanh Buoi. These buses drop you off at Tan Phu station, where you can catch a local taxi or bus to the park entrance.

Alternatively, you can use private shuttle services or join organized tours with pick-up included.

The road is quite easy to navigate. Once you exit the highway and enter the forest area, the air changes—you’ll start feeling the cool breeze, hear the rustling of leaves, and be greeted by towering green canopies.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

If you're a fan of trekking, cycling, or camping, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to May. The paths are dry and safe, wildlife is easier to observe, and the forest looks vivid and alive.

On the other hand, the rainy season (June to October) offers a different charm—misty, mysterious, and soul-soothing. If you don’t mind a little mud and enjoy the earthy scent of a freshly showered forest, this season might surprise you with its beauty.

What to Do Near Nam Cat Tien?

This is the part you’ve been waiting for. And we at Nomia believe that playing in Nam Cat Tien doesn’t just mean doing activities—it means experiencing deep connection. With nature. With your companions. And with yourself.

Jungle Trekking – A Journey into the Heart of the Forest

As you walk into the jungle, all your senses awaken. The scent of moss, the sound of rustling leaves, the damp earth beneath your feet, and rays of sunlight breaking through the canopy—every moment is nature’s gentle embrace.

There are various trekking routes to choose from:

• The trail to the 400-year-old Tung tree, the peaceful Ben Cu Rapids, and the magical Hundred-Trunk Fig Tree Lake.

• Paths through Bau Sau wetlands, Bau Co Bang Lang forest, or to ethnic Ta Lai villages.

• You can go on foot, rent a bicycle, or take a vehicle, depending on the trail.

Night Safari – When the Jungle Comes Alive

If you think the forest sleeps at night, think again. On the night safari tour, you’ll hop on a special vehicle and follow the ranger through the park in complete darkness, relying only on soft headlights.

With luck, you might spot:

• Deer, porcupines, rabbits, civets foraging quietly.

• Maybe even catch a glimpse of the majestic gaur (wild bison).

The experience is both thrilling and meditative—your heart pounds as you listen for subtle movements in the stillness of night.

Discovering Bau Sau – The Heartbeat of Cat Tien

Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) is a vast freshwater wetland listed as an international Ramsar site. Over 60 freshwater crocodiles live here in their natural habitat.

The journey requires effort: 9 km by vehicle, then a 5 km hike through the forest. But what you get is serenity—calm waters mirroring the sky, surrounded by whispering trees. You can opt for a day trip or stay overnight at the ranger station (camping is not permitted).

Wake up to sunrise over the lake and feel your spirit stretch and soften with each breath.

What to Eat in Nam Cat Tien?

The food here is simple yet soulful. The two main restaurants—Tre Vang and Cay Dau—serve meals using fresh local ingredients.

Some must-tries:

• Bamboo grilled sticky rice cooked in natural tubes.

• Wild leaf chicken: tender and fragrant.

• Stir-fried forest bamboo shoots with garlic.

• Young rattan shoots with fermented fish sauce.

• And of course, local rice wine for a hearty meal.

Everything tastes better after a long walk in the woods. The meals feel earned, grounding, and deeply satisfying.

Where to Stay?

You have two options: inside or near the park.

Inside the national park, you’ll find:

• Rooms for 2–4 guests, dorms for larger groups.

• Budget-friendly camping options (bring your own gear).

But if you're looking for a space where tranquility and comfort coexist, we invite you to discover Nomia Garden Retreats.

Tucked away near the edge of the park, Nomia Garden is a peaceful haven where:

• You wake up to birdsong and soft morning sunlight.

• Walk barefoot on dewy grass to harvest herbs for your breakfast.

• Read a book, sketch, or sip herbal tea by the garden pond.

• Practice yoga under the shade of a tree, surrounded by dragonflies.

At Nomia, you're not just staying—you're gently returning to yourself.

A Few Gentle Notes

To protect the forest and respect the space:

• Do not enter the forest after 6 PM without a guide.

• Avoid loud noises; let the silence speak.

• No swimming in streams, fishing, hunting, or burning fires.

• Follow marked trails; don’t venture off alone.

• Carry reusable items; avoid plastic and waste.

• Emergency hotline: 02513 669 228

Final Thoughts: What to Do Near Nam Cat Tien?

So, what is there to do near Nam Cat Tien?

There is a forest that speaks in rustling leaves.There is a lake that mirrors the stillness within you.There are stars above Bau Sau, whispering stories only heard in silence.

You won’t find amusement parks or nightclubs here. But you will find something more profound—a space to listen, to breathe, and to simply be.

At Nomia Garden Retreats, we believe that play doesn't have to be loud. Sometimes, it's just:

• A quiet walk.

• A sip of tea.

• A nap under the trees.

• A deep exhale you didn’t realize you were holding.

“Home is not always where you come from.Sometimes, it’s where you feel most at peace.Nomia is that kind of home.”